EMG1505 vs EMG1506 — Compare
EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 Pro Series Pickguard - Black vs EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett Pro Series Pickups 81 + SS HSS
The EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 is built for studio versatility and smooth, warm tones across funk, rock, and pop, while the EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett 81/SS is engineered for metal and hard rock with tight, aggressive output and searing harmonics. Choose Lukather for session work and genre flexibility; choose Hammett for metal intensity and controlled sustain.
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EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 Pro Series Pickguard - Black
EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett Pro Series Pickups 81 + SS HSS
Specs side by side
| EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 Pro Series Pickguard - Black | EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett Pro Series Pickups 81 + SS HSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $299.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Pickup Type | — | Set |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 Pro Series Pickguard - Black
- ✓ Warm, noiseless response ideal for studio and pop/funk applications
- ✓ Versatile SLV single coils with meaty tone from increased windings
- ✓ Master volume and tone controls provide smooth sound shaping
- ✓ Professional-grade system trusted by Toto's Steve Lukather
Why choose EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett Pro Series Pickups 81 + SS HSS
- ✓ Ceramic bar magnets deliver tight low end and controlled sustain for metal
- ✓ High output with searing harmonics perfect for aggressive styles
- ✓ HSS configuration offers versatility within rock and metal genres
- ✓ Professional signature system from Metallica's Kirk Hammett
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup set works better for metal and thrash?
The EMG KH20 Kirk Hammett is specifically designed for metal and thrash metal with ceramic magnets, tight low end, and high output. The Lukather system is explicitly not ideal for metal styles.
Which is better for studio and pop/funk work?
The EMG Steve Lukather SLV/SLV/85 is optimized for studio sessions, funk, rock, and pop with warm, noiseless single coils and versatile response. The Hammett system targets metal and hard rock instead.
What is the main tonal difference between these systems?
Lukather delivers warm, meaty, and uniform response across pickups; Hammett delivers tight bass, high output, controlled sustain, and searing ceramic clarity—fundamentally different sonic palettes for different genres.
Do both come wired and ready to install?
Both are complete Pro Series pickguard systems: Lukather on a black pickguard with master volume and tone; Hammett on a white pearl pickguard with one tone and master volume, both fully wired and ready for installation.